FAYETTEVILLE — T.J. (Tom) McElroy

of Springdale, Ark., passed away December 2, 2022, in Rogers, Ark., at the age of 76. T.J was born December 14, 1945, in Jerusalem, Ark.; the son of Tommie and Lois McElroy.

He was a member and deacon of First Freewill Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ark. T.J. was a proud Army veteran and was trained as a field medic. He loved his country. He retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company after 35 years of service. After retirement, he decided that wasn’t for him and went to work again, this time for Big M Ranch. He worked for Big M for 15 years. He enjoyed fishing, following all Razorback sports and traveling with his wife and granddaughter but, most of all, you could find him at any sporting event his son was coaching, or his granddaughter was playing. He never missed a game. He was affectionately known to many children and adults alike as “Grandpa”.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Marvin McElroy and A.G. McElroy, sister Barbara June, and his infant son T.J. McElroy III.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Crawford McElroy of the home, son Greg McElroy and wife Allison of Springdale. Granddaughter Claire Jane McElroy of Springdale and special bonus grandchildren Lauren (T.J.) Lee of Goshen, J’Leigh Walter of Springdale, and Great- Granddaughter Gracelyn Ann Lee of Goshen. Brothers David (Janette) McElroy and Billy (Gracie) McElroy, sister-in-law Patsy Bradley and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m., on Thursday, December 8th with a Celebration of Life to follow at 3 p.m., at First Freewilll Baptist Church in Fayetteville with Reverend Bradley Spurlock and Reverend Jim Spurlock officiating. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Atkins, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Program.

To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com